Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have identified the cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) as a promising sustainable bioenergy crop that surpasses silage maize in ecological benefits and biomass production. This beautiful perennial species, native to North America, exhibits some interesting characteristics. Its long-spreading, deep root system improves its long-term use while obtaining amazing ecological value.
The research, published this month in the journal GCB Bioenergy, spanned four years. To quantify the ecological impact of the cup plant in comparison to silage maize, researchers utilized the large lysimeter facility at Tübingen’s Botanical Garden (ÖBG). The results showed that the cup plant surpasses maize in terms of biomass production from its second year onwards. It addresses important ecological issues associated with conventional corn agriculture.
Ecological Advantages of Cup Plant
The cup plant presents a number of important ecological benefits compared to silage maize. Most impressively, it’s able to absorb nitrogen from the air, soil, and water effectively. This feature is essential in helping to prevent nitrate leaching into groundwater, a major environmental impact of agriculture. What we found in the study was remarkable. Nitrate leaching under the cup plant during its third and fourth years of growth was as much as 99% less than that measured under maize.
The cup plant stimulates the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms, improving the quality of the soil in its vicinity over time. These microorganisms have an additive thriving and health-promoting effect on the health of the soil ecosystem. In return, these improve agricultural productivity without the harmful effects associated with monoculture cash crops such as maize.
“Our findings clearly show that from the second year onwards, the cup plant produces more biomass than maize. Particularly noteworthy is the cup plant’s ability to efficiently absorb nitrogen from the soil, drastically reducing nitrate—a nitrogen compound—leaching into groundwater,” – Anna Hollweg.
Long-term Usability and Soil Health
Its deep root system allows it to take advantage of water and nutrients from deeper soil layers. This characteristic increases drought resiliency. Intensifying the planting of cover crops, which are known to address the growing problem of soil erosion prevalent in maize production. The cup plant accesses soil resources much deeper in the ground. This allows it to do a better job of building soil structure and health, making it an ideal partner for regenerative agriculture.
Prof. Dr. Johanna Pausch emphasizes this aspect, stating, “In general, the cup plant’s deep root system enables it to access water and nutrients in deeper soil layers. It promotes the activity of soil microorganisms, which contributes to long-term improvement of soil quality.”
The cup plant provides major ecological advantages. Its perennial nature means replanting every year isn’t necessary, ensuring consistent biomass production. This mechanization helps to cut on-farm labor costs for farmers and helps decrease disruptions to the soil microbial community by minimizing tillage.
Integrating Cup Plant with Traditional Crops
To increase agricultural productivity, the researchers recommend growing cup plant alongside crops such as maize. This integration often gets the best press for helping to protect the environment. Producers can increase their profits by integrating the two crops early in the establishment period. This strategic maneuver gives them an opportunity to play to the strengths of each species.
Hollweg notes, “We propose a combination of maize and the cup plant during the establishment phase in the field to harness the advantages of both crops. Overall, the cup plant offers a promising perspective for agriculture that combines productivity with environmental protection.”
Using hyperlocal data-driven innovation techniques to inform the changes needed to design the system can greatly increase agricultural sustainability. Prosperity requires crop selection focused on high yields and ecological health. International agricultural practices are coming under increasing fire due in part to longstanding environmental issues. Embracing new, less conventional crops, such as the cup plant, can offer integrated solutions that support productive agriculture and diverse ecosystems.